Academic Policies

Academic Integrity and Policies

Northwestern Principles Regarding Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is fundamental to every facet of the scholarly process and is expected of every student in the School of Professional Studies in all academic undertakings. Integrity involves firm adherence to academic honesty and to ethical conduct consistent with values based on standards that respect the intellectual efforts of both oneself and others.

All material submitted as part of any class exercise must be the actual work of the student whose name appears on the material. Students are cautioned against the possession of unauthorized material during any examination or quiz. A student who is found guilty of dishonesty in academic work may receive a failing grade for the course and may be dismissed from the University. 

It is each student’s responsibility to be aware of all rules and policies applicable to their program. In particular, it is the student’s responsibility to understand the guidelines set by instructors around the use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). Such guidelines may vary considerably from course to course and even across assignments within a single course. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence to create content that is submitted as one's own. When students have a question regarding the acceptable use of GenAI, they are expected to seek clarification from the instructor.

Students may find these additional resources helpful:

Please see the Academic Integrity website for the guide on Academic Integrity and other resources.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average to remain in good academic standing. Failure to meet the guidelines and return to good academic standing within the time frame specified may result in dismissal from the university.

For further information on academic policies, please refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures sections of the SPS Academic Catalog.

Academic Honors

Dean's List

Congratulations to the undergraduate students who have achieved the recognition of being named to the Dean's list for their academic performance in the most recent academic quarter.

A GPA of 3.7 for the quarter is required for the Dean’s List. Students must be matriculated in a degree program and have completed two or more units at SPS during the relevant quarter. “Dean’s List” appears on transcripts for the relevant term(s).

Academic Honor Society

The Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society was founded at Northwestern University in 1946 to honor adult students who accomplish academic excellence while balancing the competing interests of family, work, and community. Alpha Sigma Lambda has 300 chartered chapters throughout the United States. 2026 is the first year that Alpha Sigma Lambda honors have been offered to graduate degree students, and we are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of both our undergraduate and graduate degree students. Undergraduate inductees have graduated in the top 20 percent of their graduating class, and graduate inductees have graduated in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.

The motto of Alpha Sigma Lambda is "First in Scholarship and Leadership." Through leadership born of outstanding effort, both scholastically and fraternally, Alpha Sigma Lambda society members inspire their fellow students and communities through their academic achievements.

Burgundy and gold cords worn about the neck signify membership in the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.

For questions regarding the honor society and your eligibility, please contact your academic adviser.

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